First Visit

HELLO, FRIEND

As a first-timer at BKB, we want to make sure that you have the best experience possible. It’s no secret that climbing is inherently challenging, both mentally and physically. That’s one of the reasons why we love it, and why some basic instruction can help ensure your experience is on-point.

Our 60-minute Intro to Climbing class provides friendly, introductory instruction highly recommended for everyone new to climbing and BKB. It also helps to speed up your rate of progress and understanding, ensuring that you don’t get stuck on one wall, or one climb, but have access to all of our bouldering areas.

So, why should you sign up for Intro to Climbing online?

∙ Get Intro to Climbing, a Return Day Pass, and Rental Gear Kit for the best price we offer (available online only)

∙ Class spaces are limited. Secure your spot early!

∙ Intro to Climbing is the best way to get started. According to participants, it's the most memorable climbing experience around. Plus, after class, feel free to stick around and apply your new skills for the rest of the day (you'll crush it).

1. Choose your location, Sign up for Intro to Climbing

In our Intro to Climbing class, you’ll receive expert instruction on the basics of climbing, the opportunity to meet and learn with other new climbers, and an overview of your BKB location. There’s a lot to learn about climbing; getting your footing, learning the lingo, and starting out can be intimidating– but it doesn’t have to be.

Choose Your Location

Chicago

Gowanus

Queensbridge

Somerville

2. Prepare for your visit

All first time visitors are required to complete a Personal Responsibility Code before entering our facilities. Doing this before you arrive will save you 10 minutes and ensure that you arrive to your class on time. Choose your location below to get started.

3. Answer those lingering questions

Guests climbing with children, experienced climbers or those visiting with experienced climbers may opt out of our Intro to Climbing [ITC] class. Those who don’t take ITC are still required to take a 20-minute facility orientation. If you’re an experienced climber, you might be more interested in learning about our Learn the Ropes or Level Up V2-V3 classes.

This 60-minute introductory course is designed to lay the groundwork for new climbers and help transform inhibitions into dynamic climbing skills. (In fact, ITC is so essential to every new climber that it’s also the first class you take in Beginner to Badass, our most popular package at BKB.)

We also purposely keep ITC class sizes small to amplify the quality of your learning experience and community connection. With a 1:6 maximum instructor-to-participant ratio, our 60-minute class allows you to meet other new climbers while learning the foundational elements and techniques of bouldering and roped climbing. ITC classes are available frequently throughout the week, so be sure to book your class above.

Nutrition is vital to ensuring you push your physical potential and avoid the dreaded mid-climb crash. Whether you’re a rock-solid vet or brand new to the sport, incorporating a balanced snack at least 30 minutes before you climb will leave you feeling ready to rock (okay…done with the puns.)

Climbing will awaken muscles you didn’t know you had. They may even cramp up! To help mitigate this, make sure to bring a water bottle (water fountains are available at each facility). We also recommend hydrating with drinks full of healthy vitamins and electrolytes to keep those small muscles in your fingers, hands and toes (heck, the whole body!) primed for the climb.

Be Mindful of the Mission:We aim to foster a sense of belonging for all who walk through our doors, regardless of age, gender, creed and/or orientation, while inspiring you to engage your imagination, passion, and physical potential.

If you’re new to BKB, please let us know! We are happy to answer any questions and make your first visit as welcoming as possible. After all, we were all new climbers at one time. Our professional instructors and staff are here to guide you to your fullest potential as we strive to “become superhuman together”.

4. Arrive 15 minutes early to your class

Arriving late to class impacts the experience for our other guests. Please be aware that if you’re more than five minutes late, you will not be admitted to class. Fifteen extra minutes will also give you the time to check-in, gather your gear, meet your instructor, and get psyched.

Recommended Clothing: We recommend wearing comfortable, flexible, breathable clothing and socks that you don’t mind getting dirty. Each facility also has clothing and gear available for purchase.

What to Wear on Your Feet: Climbing shoes, included with your class, must be worn while climbing on the walls. Shoes and climbing gear are also available for purchase in our retail area. Please do not wear your climbing shoes around the facility or into the bathrooms. Doing so could get what you step in onto our walls. That’s nasty. If you plan on taking a fitness class or using our fitness amenities, be sure to wear your sneakers.

SO, WHAT'S NEXT?

RECOMMENDED AFTER INTRO TO CLIMBING

BEGINNER TO BADASS

Your path to becoming a badass climber! Includes: 1 month of unlimited access, Intro to Climbing, Learn the Ropes, group fitness classes, and full gear rental for the month.

Bonus: Loved your Intro to Climbing class? Apply the $49 value of your classto Beginner to Badass within 7 days and get access to all of the above.